Winter was absolutely bonkers for Colorado this year. Historic avalanches, non-stop snowstorms, and skiing well into the summertime, it’s safe to say that the 2018/19 season is one for the record books. But even as we’ve transitioned into summer, the state is still feeling the effects of this year’s monumental winter.
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Statewide in Colorado, the snowpack is 23 times higher than it was last year, and basins throughout the state are twice its normal snow level for June. According to the Denver Post, overall the state is experiencing a remarkable turnaround from last year’s exceptionally dry winter.
Why are these numbers so huge?? A quick cautionary tale on looking at % of average snowpack during the snowmelt season...
— ColoClimateCenter (@ColoradoClimate) May 30, 2019
After peak snowpack (aka SWE), the snowpack at our SNOTEL sites typically begins a pretty rapid melt off. A lot can change from one day to the next. pic.twitter.com/l2EW0rlMos
However, it’s easy to take these numbers at face value. Undeniably there's a lot of snow in the mountains, but there’s more at play with the current statistics. The Colorado Climate Center took to Twitter to explain some of the data that’s gone viral. Not only is there a lot of snow in the mountains, but overall Colorado has had a very slow start to their melting season. Only 38% of their snowpack has actually melted, which means flooding could be a major concern for this summer.
About The Author
stash member Katie Lozancich
TGR Staff Writer and photographer. Fond of bikes, pow, and dogs. Originally from Northern CA, home for me has ranged from the PNW to a teepee in Grand Teton National Park.